Forecast: Milder week ahead

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NAM model shows a big western storm this week. This pattern will pump milder air into the Midwest.

It's about time.

Our cold and wet October is about to give us a break. A major storm is digging into the western states this week. The potent low will bring rain and mountain snow to the West. Numerous weather warnings are being issued for the western states. As the storm stalls out, it will bring an improving weather picture to Minnesota.

Look for increased sunshine this week staring with some peeks of sun Monday afternoon. Highs should make the 50s by Tuesday, and we could and should be pushing 60 in southern Minnesota Wednesday and Thursday.

The western storm will spin in the desert southwest until Thursday, then make a move on Minnesota Friday. It looks as if temperatures will be warm enough for mostly rain in Minnesota with this system. We may see some snowflakes after the cold front blasts through Friday, but by then most of the moisture should be shoved off to the north.

The early look at Halloween calls for a breezy and cool evening with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the 40s. There may be a few snow showers north of the metro.

Looking waaaay ahead, one forecast model hints at a chance of Indian Summer along about November 9th. Stay tuned, this could be reality or pure forecast model fantasy at this point. The law of weather averages favors a return to warmth at least once more in the next few weeks.

Here's my forecast for the Twin Cities this week:

Monday: Clouds give way to some sunny peeks this afternoon. High 49.

Tuesday: Bright sun! Windy and milder with a high near 59.A few 60s possible south.

Wednesday: Morning sun, a few afternoon clouds. Breezy with a high of 58.

Thursday: Sun east, clouds west. Rain late. Milder with a high near 60.

Friday: Rain and thunder. High near 60 early, turning much colder late in the day.

Enjoy the milder temps this week!

PH